Upson Regional Medical Center : News ReleasesUpson Regional Medical Centerhttp://www.urmc.org/news/feed.rss
Upson's New OB/GYNs<p>Upson Regional Medical Center is pleased to welcome OB-<span class="caps">GYN</span> doctors, Joy Baker, MD, and Nicolas Psomiadis, MD.</p>
<p>Dr. Joy Baker is a Georgia native who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from LaGrange College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the Medical College of Georgia. She earned her medical degree and completed her residency at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. Baker is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Prior to joining Upson, she served at Grady Health System in Atlanta and briefly in Columbus. She has a blog at www.deliveringjoymd.com.</p>
<p>Dr. Baker&#8217;s passion for practice extends beyond the clinical setting. She is committed to making a difference in the communities she serves by being involved and finding ways to help improve the health of mom&#8217;s and young women. She said, &#8220;We have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive impact on the health of this region, and I look forward to working with our nurses, medical staff and administration to make it happen.&#8221;</p>
<p>Dr. Nicolas Psomiadis is board certified by and a fellow in the America n College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. With Florida roots, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Florida Atlantic University and his medical degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. He completed his residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah. Prior to joining Upson, he served for more than 15 years in Winder, Ga., until the hospital there closed its OB unit.</p>
<p>Dr. Psomiadis and Dr. Baker share a vision for growing Upson&#8217;s obstetric and gynecologic services. He said, &#8220;With the proper support from the nursery and the pediatricians, Dr. Baker and I have the potential to collaborate and grow a true regional perinatal center, and with our combined skill sets we will offer cutting- edge <span class="caps">GYN</span> surgical care right here at Upson.&#8221;</p>
<p>Drs. Baker and Psomiadis join Perry Wells, MD, and Nurse Practitioner Rhonda Brooks, <span class="caps">WHNP</span>, at Upson Women&#8217;s Services with offices in Thomaston, Barnesville and Butler.</p>Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0400http://www.urmc.org/news/Upsons-New-OBGYNs
New Medical Identity Theft Protection System<p>Upson Regional Medical Center is proud to offer patients advanced medical identity theft protection and efficient patient registration, while improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of medical errors.</p>
<p>Nationwide, medical identity theft is on the rise, and it is estimated that Americans spend $40 billion annually on medical identity theft. On a personal level, it is possible for someone to find or steal your health insurance card and use it to get treatment, all while posing as you.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s why Upson has partnered with SafeChx, a leading healthcare intelligence company, to prevent that from happening. Using SafeChx, your medical identity will be instantly verified at check-in, just not by a laminated paper health insurance card.</p>
<p>SafeChx uses biometric technology to scan a patient’s right index finger. By scanning the patients&#8217; points on their right index finger, SafeChx is able to give each patient a unique mathematical code that links them to their medical record and benefits so no one else can use them. All patients will be asked to initially scan their right index finger five times in order to get their unique identifier, then any returning visit will only require a fast, one time scan to verify.</p>
<p><span class="caps">CEO</span> David Castleberry said, &#8220;Patients should have peace of mind that their medical information is secure, and we are fortunate to be able to reinvest in systems such as SafeChx to provide the best care for our patients and add an enhanced level of protection for their personal health information.&#8221;</p>
<p>While SafeChx is focused on protecting a patient’s medical identity it also works to address a variety of other medical issues like eliminating duplicate medical records. Nationally, it is estimated that 10% of all medical records are duplicates, which causes added expense for health care providers to carry and access those records. But it also poses problems for patients when they check in at a health care facility and they have multiple records for that one patient.</p>
<p>SafeChx will also help improve patient outcomes by ensuring that the right patient receives the right care every time they visit our facilities. It is common to see multiple patients with the same name and it would be possible, although unlikely, to pull the incorrect medical file because of the common name. This potential error cannot happen by using the SafeChx system because each patient will be identified and linked to his or her corresponding medical benefits; ensuring the right person receives the right care.</p>
<p>SafeChx will allow quicker patient registration, easier doctor access to view patient medical records, decrease administrative burdens of duplicate or incorrect records, and for quick and accurate patient identification in emergency situations.</p>
<p>Upson is the 116th hospital in the nation to offer this new level of medical identity theft protection for its patients. In two years, SafeChx has already protected over 7 million patient identities at other health care systems, with an overall patient acceptance rate of 97%.</p>Mon, 22 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0400http://www.urmc.org/news/New-Medical-Identity-Theft-Protection-System
Upson Selects New Chief Clinical Officer<p>Evelyn Murphy is the new chief clinical officer at Upson Regional Medical Center, where she will lead all nursing and ancillary clinical areas.</p>
<p>Murphy joins Upson with strong experience in nursing and management. Previously, Murphy served as chief clinical officer at Ty Cobb Healthcare System in Lavonia, Ga. Before joining Ty Cobb in 2010, she was director of general medicine and telemetry at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.</p>
<p>“Evelyn brings a solid record of accomplishments over her tenure in the nursing profession, and I believe she’ll be a tremendous asset to us,” said David Castleberry, <span class="caps">CEO</span>. &#8220;Evelyn&#8217;s depth of experience and practical leadership will be an asset in keeping the patient in the center of everything we do.&#8221;</p>
<p>Murphy also has served in management positions at Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston, FL, Barrow Regional Medical Center in Winder, Ga., Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega, Ga., and Baptist North Hospital in Cumming, Ga. She began her career as a licensed practical nurse at what is now Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Ga., in 1981.</p>
<p>A Georgia native who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from North Georgia College and University and a master’s in business administration from Brenau University in Gainesville, Murphy has more than 30 years of experience in nursing and nursing leadership.</p>
<p>Murphy was unanimously chosen for this leadership role at Upson by everyone who interviewed her, including representatives from frontline nursing, clinical and non-clinical leadership, administration and medical staff.</p>
<p>In taking over the role of chief clinical officer, Murphy is to ensure patients at Upson receive the most compassionate and highest quality of care.</p>
<p>&#8220;These are challenging times in healthcare,&#8221; Murphy said. &#8220;Despite all the new rules, regulations and changes, the bottom line is taking care of our patients, and if we do that with excellence, everything else will fall into place.&#8221;</p>Wed, 10 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0400http://www.urmc.org/news/Upson-Selects-New-Chief-Clinical-Officer
Castleberry Elected to GHA Board of Trustees<p><span class="caps">ATLANTA</span> – David Castleberry, <span class="caps">FACHE</span>, president and chief executive officer of Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston, recently was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association (<span class="caps">GHA</span>). Castleberry has served as <span class="caps">CEO</span> of the medical center since 2008. Since he assumed leadership at Upson he has overseen growth and expansion in facilities, physician recruitment, and quality and service performance at the hospital.</p>
<p>Prior to joining Upson , Castleberry served as <span class="caps">CEO</span> of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, a 116-bed facility in Hartsville, S.C. He has also served in health care management at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., and East Georgia Medical Center in Statesboro. He has also served in physician practice management in Jackson, Miss. and Dahlonega.</p>
<p>Castleberry, who is the current chairman of the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce, is active in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees and forging local partnerships. He is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Georgia and past chairman of the <span class="caps">GHA</span> Center for Rural Health Board of Trustees. He holds a bachelor of business degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta and a master of business administration degree from Brenau University in Gainesville.</p>
<p>“David Castleberry is an extremely influential leader at Upson Regional and the community has greatly benefited from his leadership and involvement,” said <span class="caps">GHA</span> President Earl Rogers. “He brings a wealth of knowledge about rural health care and we look forward to his service on our Board.”</p>
<p>Established in 1951, Upson Regional Medical Center serves a seven-county area and cares for more than 76,000 patients each year. The hospital is one of the largest employers in the region with more than 580 nurses, technicians, physicians, staff and other allied health professionals and has an annual payroll of $31.2 million. As a not-for-profit hospital, Upson gave back more than $17.4 million in charity care, bad debt, community benefit, other uncompensated care and taxes in 2014.</p>
<p>About <span class="caps">GHA</span><br />
Established in 1929, <span class="caps">GHA</span> is the state’s largest trade organization of hospitals and health systems providing education, research and risk management services to its more than 170 hospital and health system members. Additionally, it represents and advocates health policy issues benefiting Georgia’s citizens before the state legislature and U.S. Congress as well as before regulatory bodies.</p>Thu, 04 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0400http://www.urmc.org/news/Castleberry-Elected-to-GHA-Board-of-Trustees
Upson's Newest Board Member<p>Upson Regional Medical Center announces the addition of Jonathan Busbee, M.D., an internal medicine specialist, as its newest member to the Board of Trustees.</p>
<p>Dr. Busbee has been practicing medicine since 1992 and has been an active member of Upson’s medical staff since 1995. He is a graduate of St. George’s University and completed his residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. He is board <br />
certified by the American College of Internal Medicine.</p>
<p>“Dr. Busbee has been a trusted member of our healthcare community for 20 years and well respected by our medical staff for equally as long, “ said Bill Hightower, Chairman of the Upson Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. “Dr. Busbee’s contributions will be invaluable in advancing quality and growing our services to improve the health of the communities we serve.”</p>
<p>Like all board seats, Dr. Busbee’s term is a one-year position. This new board seat is created specifically for an active member of medical staff, and Dr. Busbee was elected by his peers for nomination to the position. Upson’s Board of Trustees volunteer their time without pay to direct the not-for-profit organization. Board members set policy, create goals, evaluate management’s performance, and ensure the hospital operates in the best interest of the community.</p>
<p>In addition to Dr. Busbee, Upson’s Board of Trustees include Mr. Bill Hightower, Chairman; Mr. Barney Hancock, Mr. Jim Edwards, Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Kay Robinson, Mrs. Kay Searcy, Mr. Scott Blackstock, Mr. Steve Keadle, and Dr. Ralph Warnock, MD.</p>Tue, 28 Apr 2015 00:00:00 -0400http://www.urmc.org/news/Upsons-Newest-Board-Member
Upson Introduces Tele-Stroke<p>If you or someone you know has a stroke, faster care can mean a better outcome. That&#8217;s why Upson is now in partnership with some of Atlanta&#8217;s top neurologists, providing local access to board certified stroke specialists 24 hours a day.</p>
<p>&#8220;Fast matters,&#8221; Upson&#8217;s Chief of Staff and Emergency Room Medical Director Dr. Marchetti says. &quot; Just like time can mean muscle for an acute MI, time is tissue for a stroke, and the standard of care for stroke patients is to receive treatment as fast as possible and stay put.&quot;</p>
<p>Through a telestroke consultation at Upson, an ER physician will examine you. If an acute stroke is suspected, he or she will activate the stroke telemedicine dedicated line, connecting Upson to Atlanta-based neurologists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.</p>
<p>After you have a CT scan at Upson, the stroke neurologist performs a live, real-time audiovisual consultation. The neurologist will discuss your medical history and review your test results. The neurologist evaluates you and works with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment.</p>
<p>Having a prompt evaluation increases the possibility that clot-dissolving therapies (thrombolytics) can be delivered in time to reduce stroke-related disability. To be effective, clot-dissolving therapies must be given within three to four and a half hours after you experience stroke symptoms.</p>
<p>Dr. Marchetti says the local connection to some of Atlanta&#8217;s top stroke specialists will improve patient outcomes for stroke victims and reduce transfers to another facility. &#8220;Upson can now take care of our own in the event of a stroke,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p>The stroke specialists include Dr. Matthews Gwynn, who serves as chief of Neurology at St. Joseph&#8217;s Hospital in Atlanta; Dr. Keith Sanders who is director of St. Joseph&#8217;s Stroke Center; Dr. James Kiely, who directs the neurophysiology labs at St. Joseph&#8217;s and Northside hospitals; and Dr. Lisa Johnston, who directs Northside&#8217;s Sleep Lab.</p>
<p>Upson has used the new Tele-Stroke system eight times since it debuted in October, and two of those patients received the clot-dissolving therapy, <span class="caps">TPA</span>, on time and had positive outcomes.</p>
<p><span class="caps">CEO</span> David Castleberry says, &#8220;Nobody should have to drive by their local hospital if they think they are having a stroke. This means you can receive the most effective treatments right in Thomaston, near your family and friends.&#8221;</p>Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0500http://www.urmc.org/news/Upson-Introduces-Tele-Stroke
Service Award Banquet Honoring Employees<p>Upson Regional Medical Center recognized last week more than 95 employees for milestones in service, ranging from five to 45 years.</p>
<p><span class="caps">CEO</span> David Castleberry said Upson is fortunate to have such dedicated and loyal employees. “The people we recognize this year for milestones in service are truly the backbone of our organization. I applaud their dedication and appreciate their loyalty not just to this hospital, but to the patients we serve.”</p>
<p>Organizations cannot advance and thrive without a solid core of loyal and top-shelf employees, said Castleberry. “The knowledge-base and compassionate commitment of this year’s honorees are the cornerstones of our culture and the foundation of our success.”</p>
<p>45 Years<br />
Brenda Davis<br />
James Searcy</p>
<p>40 Years<br />
Carolyn Anglin<br />
Susie Lowe</p>
<p>35 Years<br />
Earnestine Zellner<br />
Donald Gilbert<br />
Dawn Owens<br />
Joyce Glisson<br />
Suzanne Streetman<br />
Angela Alton<br />
San Short</p>
<p>30 Years<br />
Patricia Favors<br />
Irene Weston<br />
Susan Carpenter</p>
<p>25 Years<br />
Margaret Thornton<br />
Catherine Rogers<br />
Deborah Weason</p>
<p>20 Years<br />
Amy Braswell<br />
Laura Watson<br />
Sharye May<br />
Ashley McKneely<br />
Virginia Strickland<br />
Suzanne Scott<br />
Sherry Rawlins<br />
Annie Marshall<br />
Lou Brown</p>
<p>15 Years<br />
Erlene Shobe<br />
Tiffani Mauldin<br />
Ben Watson<br />
Wanda Sanders<br />
Pamela Aiken<br />
Brent McDaniel<br />
Treena Turner<br />
Wanda Creamer<br />
Brandy Ellington<br />
Bernice Searcy<br />
Timmy Lyons<br />
Eveline Thomas<br />
Dianne Rosborough</p>
<p>10 Years<br />
Lewanna Howard<br />
Tracy Ruffin<br />
Bobby McGlon<br />
Sandra Fennell<br />
Cynthia McCraney<br />
April Williams<br />
Stacie Shirley<br />
Deborah Ruffin<br />
Linda Jones<br />
Kenneth Green<br />
Beth Phillips<br />
Angela Howard<br />
Brandie Kilcrease<br />
Heather Bishop<br />
Dana McDaniel<br />
Kristen Watts<br />
Stacey White<br />
Christie Moncrief<br />
David Peterson, MD<br />
Daphne Neeley<br />
Joytonya Flowers<br />
Michelle Hendricks<br />
Melissa White<br />
Sonya Weeks<br />
Kenneth Burnette<br />
Tara Murray</p>
<p>5 Years<br />
Kayla Boyt<br />
Catherine Rawls<br />
Nathan Carmichael<br />
Monica Stover<br />
Charlene Barnes<br />
Terry Standard<br />
Abigail Matthews<br />
Savannah Kendall<br />
Elaine Akins<br />
Christina Brown<br />
Clauneise Reeves<br />
Janet Holmes<br />
Rachel Estes<br />
Shantelise Dickey<br />
John Jenkins II, MD<br />
Misty Richardson<br />
Jim Totten<br />
Naomi Hartman<br />
Angie Stubbs<br />
Pricilla Bostwick<br />
Vanessa Garvin<br />
Amberly Holloman<br />
Annette Pearson<br />
Jean Pettay<br />
Heather Hoyal<br />
Rashonda Bell<br />
Joseph Kimball</p>Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0500http://www.urmc.org/news/Service-Award-Banquet-Honoring-Employees
Flu Season Strikes Early<p>Local physicians are reporting the flu is here, and you may not be in the clear this flu season &#8212; even if you&#8217;ve already been vaccinated.</p>
<p>Within the past week, healthcare providers have noticed an uptick in flu diagnosis. Upson Family Physician Dr. Trish Hall said, &#8220;Usually the peak of flu season in Georgia is after the holidays and well into January or early February. Within this past week, we have seen several cases of the flu even in those who were vaccinated. However, we are still encouraging patients to get the vaccine as it is still protective, especially for those with chronic illnesses.&#8221;</p>
<p>Officials at the Centers for Disease Control say this year’s flu vaccine isn’t working as well as expected. According to the <span class="caps">CDC</span>, 52 percent of recent flu samples were not a good match for the current vaccine, and this year&#8217;s strain &#8212; the H3N2 virus &#8212; is a doozy.</p>
<p>According to the <span class="caps">CDC</span>, the virus has mutated, making the flu vaccine less effective and it’s too late to make any adjustments to the vaccine.</p>
<p>Even though the circulating strains of influenza have drifted from the strains covered in the vaccine, it’s still important to consider receiving the vaccine. Although it may not be a perfect match (it rarely ever is), it still provides coverage for several important strains which likely could become prevalent in the community later in the season.</p>
<p>Everyday actions that can help prevent spread of the flu:<br />
•Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.<br />
•Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.<br />
•If you get the flu, stay home from work or school.<br />
•Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.<br />
•Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.</p>
<p>Healthy adults can spread the virus from one day before they have symptoms until five days after their beginning of symptoms. They can pass influenza virus to others even before they feel ill. Children may shed the virus for a longer period of time than adults.</p>
<p>Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of caffeine-free liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated. To reduce fever, take a non-aspirin pain reliever. There are two antiviral medications approved for treatment of the flu: oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®). They require a prescription and are most effective if started within 48 hours of getting symptoms. Stay home from school or work if you are ill to avoid spreading the flu to others.</p>Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0500http://www.urmc.org/news/Flu-Season-Strikes-Early
San Short Wins Statewide Lifetime Achievement Award<p>Upson Regional Medical Center’s San Short, R.N., was awarded the prestigious Georgia Hospital Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award at the Georgia Hospital Association’s (<span class="caps">GHA</span>) Annual Meeting on Nov. 13. Short, who was the only individual statewide to receive the award, was recognized for her long-time service to health care through her many roles over the past 35 years, including as a nurse and diabetes educator.</p>
<p>In her more than three decades of service to Upson, Short has held a variety of positions, including Ostomy Nurse, Diabetes Educator, and Mission Champion for patient satisfaction. In each of these roles, she has had a profound impact on patients, the hospital, and the community.</p>
<p>Short has provided diabetes education to Upson&#8217;s patients since 1980. Her passion for providing diabetes care led to the development of an ongoing monthly free diabetes education class. In addition, Short always takes time to provide assistance to diabetes patients in need of supplies or medications. She spends much of her time performing glucose testing and diabetes education at community health fairs and employee health fairs.</p>
<p>Short’s dedication to the community also expands to cancer care. In 1989, after seeing the need for cancer patient support, Short formed “Bosom Buddies,” a support group for current and past breast cancer patients. Short herself found the group extremely supportive when she was diagnosed with cancer in 1991.In 1994, when Relay For Life was introduced in the community, she helped create the “Bosom Buddies Relay Team,” and has served as team captain multiple times. Since 1994, the team has raised more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society.</p>
<p>As an ostomy nurse, Short provides direct care and education for patients facing life-altering surgery. Through the education she provides, she helpsbuilds self-confidence for the patients and their family members in what can be a very overwhelming process.</p>
<p>“San Short has brought empathy, education and so much more to the patients of Upson Regional Medical Center and the community,” said <span class="caps">GHA</span> President Earl V. Rogers. “Her patient care and community involvement over the past three decade are unparalleled. She is a most-deserving recipient of this award.”</p>Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0500http://www.urmc.org/news/San-Short-Wins-Statewide-Lifetime-Achievement-Award
Upson's New Portal Empowers Patients<p>Upson Regional Medical Center introduces this month a new tool that allows patients to have their medical records and health information at their fingertips.</p>
<p>Upson’s Patient Portal gives patients secure and instant access to their health information, including laboratory and radiology results, medications, allergies, demographic information, visit history, discharge/aftercare information, and more.</p>
<p>Patients can use the Patient Portal to communicate with their physicians. They can review past and future appointments, submit questions through a secure messaging center and receive their physicians’ responses. They can request prescription renewals online instead of calling the office, and receive email notifications to alert them to any new activity on their portal such as test results, messages, or appointments.</p>
<p><span class="caps">CEO</span> David Castleberry says the Patient Portal is a big win for patients. “By allowing you to communicate directly with your physician’s office and access your medical history, our portal ensures you are in charge of your healthcare. And, it’s convenient. Using your own secure password, you can log into the patient portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the comfort and privacy of your home, office or mobile device.”</p>
<p>In addition to handling their own care, parents and health care proxies with authorized consent will be able to access the records of those individuals for whom they manage care.</p>
<p>“We encourage all of our patients to enroll in the Patient Portal, as it presents a valuable opportunity for patients and their families to actively participate in their care, which contributes to better health,” Castleberry said.</p>
<p>During your next doctor or hospital visit, provide your email address, then call 706-647-8111 ext. 1111, and you will be sent an email invitation with instructions for logging into the Patient Portal.</p>Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 -0400http://www.urmc.org/news/Upsons-New-Portal-Empowers-Patients